Testimonials
“Kevin is the best coach I have ever had.”
John Mark F, player:
“I am one of many players Kevin has coached. I trained with him while he was the program director for QBK Sports. I trained with him for 2 hours twice a week for a little less than a year. In that time, I've seen major improvement in my technique, my mental game, and my character. The difference is night and day honestly. Working with Kevin is challenging and productive. You will change and you will see growth. Kevin has the ability to identify, precisely, what you need to fix in order to reach the next level and he tells you exactly how to do it. Then he reinforces it with an innumerable amount of creative drills that are tailored for you.
Kevin is a coach for all levels of all ages. I've seen him work with children, adolescents, collegiate and professional athletes, adults who are just learning, as well as adults who play competitively. Kevin is kind but he is not for the weak. He is a strong character. He will make you strong. He will challenge you. He will push you. You will not like it all the time. But he will never give up on you.
Kevin's professional vision is to expand the game of volleyball. Your goals are his goals. He finds genuine purpose in helping you become a better athlete. He positively impacts the beach volleyball community, one player at a time.
His training sessions are productive. They are 2 hours long. They are structured, they are well planned and well thought out. They are tiring. He tells you exactly what you will be working on. He gives you a goal to reach at the end of practice. Whether or not you have reached your goal, you will have improved as an athlete.
All in all, I've played volleyball for 9 years and have had plenty of coaches. However, I can confidently say that Kevin is the best coach I have ever had.”
“He is a true pioneer.”
Matthew R, player:
(2x NAIA Indoor National Champion)
“I see Kevin as a rare and special coach. He took me from low AA (no hand setting) to the open level (with proper hand setting) in less than a year. Kevin’s breadth of beach specific knowledge is astounding, and he quickly identifies your next needed step whether you are a beginner or pro. Kevin not only brings excellence out of the individuals, but his broader community as well. He is a true pioneer committed to making New York City a hotbed for beach volleyball- something no one else has done before.”
“Reliable and honest.”
Doobin L, player + coach:
”One word, ‘G.O.AT.’
I’ve seen Kevin as a coach, mentor, and a great friend. I could say he is amazing at being all of them. Some people care about the business, but he cares about the community. He is one of the most reliable and honest coaches I’ve encountered.”
“Kevin’s work ethic is unparalleled.”
Sophia J, player:
”I met Kevin in 2018 a Chelsea Piers Fitness. Since then, I’ve followed Kevin as he started his journey as Director of Programming and Head Coach at QBK Sports, attended his beach classes at local beach courts in NYC, and went on one of his epic volleyball camps to his home country in Trinidad and Tobago.
Taking volleyball lessons with Kevin is addicting. He has a very special skill of being able to adjust the class structure to the levels of all the players in each class – beginner, intermediate, advanced, mixed – no matter what level of play you’re at, he will make sure that every player gets a good workout and as many touches as they can on the ball.
His passion for beach volleyball is so infectious that you can’t help but want to improve your skills, and he’ll encourage you to do so. Take me: A couple years ago, I couldn’t overhand serve over the net. I remember famously failing to serve 0 out of 10 balls over the net in a level assessment. Now, I’m able to serve consistently across the net! Sometimes it’s hard to see your progress day over day, but if I reflect on where I started vs how far I’ve come, I can credit my improvement as a beach player to Kevin.
Kevin’s work ethic is unparalleled, as is his mentorship as a coach. He goes above and beyond in forming genuine relationships with all his students, taking a real interest in developing each player to be the best that they can be. He is incredibly passionate about beach volleyball, and it’s clear how big of an impact he’s had on the community in NYC. I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
“He was very caring with the athletes on and off the court and inspired greatness.”
Cristy E, coach:
”I met Mr. Kevin Edwards in 2017 when I applied to be his assistant coach at Baruch College. Him being from the Caribbean as well we connected immediately. He was very inviting as a Head Coach and commanded respect from the people around. Coach Kevin instilled in his athletes to work hard, do well in school and be aggressive on the court with a positive winning mentality.
I remember Coach Kevin being very focused, always prepared with the practice/game plan and effective ways to execute. He was very caring with the athletes on and off the court and inspired greatness. After working with him for the men and women’s season in 2018 our time was obstructed by COVID. The pandemic forced me to seek other job opportunities. I was motivated by Kevin to continue my education at Mercy University. He supports me in my coaching endeavors and is always available to be my mentor.
I am so grateful to have worked with Coach Kevin and excited to see what the future holds for being such an amazing individual and coach.”
“Professional level practices.”
Tina G, Olympian:
(Olympian, Latvia/NCAA Champion, USC)
“I’ve had the pleasure to join a couple of Kevin’s practices when I’ve been visiting New York. He’s running professional level practices with a strong focus on having his players get as many ball touches as possible. He’s an amazing and thoughtful coach to lead you into the beautiful game of beach volleyball.“
“Helped me work on all aspects of my game.”
Celine C, professional player:
(France)
“I trained with Kevin while I lived in NY for 1.5 years in 2019/2020. Kevin is a very professional coach and has helped me work on all aspects of my game. His trainings are well structured, and he always pushes you to challenge yourself more. Off the court, he is a great person, always willing to help. I would recommend practicing with Kevin if you are living or even traveling to NYC.”
“His love and passion has transferred into coaching.”
Sean M, National player:
(former teammate from National Indoor Volleyball Club, Trinidad and Tobago)
“I’ve had the pleasure of Kevin being my national team captain and club captain and it was a pleasure representing the country and playing with him. The passion and love for the game transcends on the court and he leads by example. I have also worked with Kevin coaching at Chelsea Piers and Trinidad and Tobago camp, and his love and passion has transferred into coaching. It’s very professional and fun. His professional vision is amazing, his drive and passion matches his fun-loving personality for the game. Every session is always well planned to get his desired outcome. The athletes he has worked with to ensure it’s based around their skill level.”
“I went from a BB to AA player in less than 2 years.”
Sophia T, player:
“I started training with Kevin in 2016 at Chelsea Piers when I was just a beginner. I saw huge improvements in my game from attending his class. From there, I did doubles training with him at Pier 6 to prepare for EEVB and GAV tournaments. I went from a BB to AA player in less than 2 years. He is undoubtedly the best beach volleyball coach in the tri-state area, if not, on the east coast. He has the perfect mix of experience, passion, knowledge, skill, and discipline. One thing to know about Kevin is that he is a NOT an easy coach…he is a hard coach because he cares and that’s what makes him so good. He sees your potential and will help you get there. It is one thing to be a professional beach volleyball player, it is another to be a great coach. What makes him unique is he excels at both and has created an incredible training program. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking to play recreationally or competitively. You will be in good hands!”
“He is able to understand players as athletes and individuals.”
Inga R, junior player’s parent:
“My daughter has been working with Kevin at QBK for over a year. She has been playing indoor volleyball for several years and has worked with many coaches, but Kevin is truly exceptional. He has a rare combination of skill, professionalism, kindness, and patience. He is able to understand players as athletes and individuals and is able to meet his trainees where they are while challenging them to do their best on the court. He thoughtfully structures each session, focuses on both strategy and technique, and always encourages growth. My daughter was lucky to have met and worked with Kevin and hopes to continue training with him when she is home during college breaks.”
“More than a great coach, he’s a great person.”
Emma R, junior player:
“I have been working with Kevin as my coach for about a year now and I can confidently say it is not only the healthiest player-coach relationship I have ever experienced but also one of the most fun. I started out with Kevin at QBK a year ago and continue to train with him once a week. Kevin comes to each practice with a positive attitude and a smile, which is much needed at 8am on a Saturday.
Every practice is structured around 2-3 main skills followed by a bunch of drills that work on different elements, ending with each major skill. Even within Kevin’s lesson structure, he is willing to listen and work with you if here is one drill or skill you really want to work on. Kevin is incredibly friendly and always strikes up a conversation during warm up to ask about your week. Don’t take his friendly, easy-going manner for granted though, he will make sure you work hard and leave you flopped in the sand multiple times during a session! Kevin will always point out what needs to be corrected in a constructive manner, and over the year I have seen significant improvement in my beach volleyball ability.
Kevin makes every lesson a build on the last, you never do there same set of drills twice, and he pushes you to be better than you think you can be. Kevin is the type of coach that from the start, sees you for what you can be and never loses sight of that vision. He is attentive and willing to listen, funny, fun to work with, and more than a great coach, he’s a great person.”
“A deep knowledge of all aspects of the game.”
Aabye D. F, player:
”I’ve worked with Kevin as a player for several years now in a variety of settings (Brighton Beach, Chelsea Piers, Pier 6, and QBK). He is a fantastic coach in all respects. He runs practices that are dynamic, challenging, thoughtful, and fun. He has a deep knowledge of all aspects of the game and is able to bring improvements out of players at any level-from beginner to professional. Whether you’re looking to work one-on-one or as part of a larger group, Kevin can help you become a better beach volleyball player.”
“He is constantly learning and putting new ideas in action.”
Luke M, player:
”I’ve worked with Kevin for many years as an adult recreational player. Beach volleyball is my number one hobby, and developing and maintaining my skills is very important to me. I’ve trained with Kevin at Chelsea Piers and Pier 6 and played in a few tournaments he organized at QBK. Kevin is, without a doubt, the best beach volleyball coach in the New York area.
Kev’s training sessions are invariably well-structured, focused on 1 to 3 specific skills, and progressing from drills that isolate the skill and then into drills that are more and more game-like, helping you lock the skills into your toolbox and make them available to you in real-world situations. Kev places an appropriate amount of focus on the fundamentals, but also teaches the less-taught aspects of the game. There’s a big difference in partnering with players who’ve been coached by Kevin and players who have not. This difference really comes through in out-of-system plays, players who have learned from Kevin know how to handle themselves in all sorts of broken plays, while others usually panic and make poor choices.
Of all things that impress me about Kevin and his work, it is how much his coaching skills have improved over the years. Being the best beach coach in NYC is not how Kev measures himself. He cares about the results he gets, and he is constantly learning and putting new ideas in action in his training. He demands discipline and brings his own discipline without fail. And he does while remaining emblematic of the laid-back vibe of the sport.
I would recommend Kevin to any beach volleyball athlete that wants to get better, from beginners to top tournament seeds.”
“My volleyball IQ has gone up.”
Nicky K, player + coach:
”My name is Nicky and I met Kevin in a volleyball class at Chelsea piers many years ago. He ran 2-hour classes every week which I really enjoyed. Every practice had a specific focus, and this helped me focus on learning skills I had, in more depth. Due to COVID shutdown, I started working with Kevin outside on Brighton beach in the years to come. A group of people and myself met with him 2-3 times per week to keep improving. Through these trainings, I feel like my volleyball IQ has gone up. When I returned to playing tournaments, I had much more confidence in my skills due to all the practices he ran.
One of my favorite things about his practice is his personality. He is determined to teach you and stays focused the entire practice. He comes prepared with drills in mind for the skill we are focusing on a given day. He scaffolds these drills, from easy to complex, which then allows us to perform complex game situations. In addition, he never makes fun of any student, however, he praises them if they do well. That feels very rewarding since we are all on different levels. This also sets a precedent for the group, not to behave like this towards other players. Another thing I like about him, is that he likes direct feedback. Students are complicated, what works for one, doesn’t work for another. Kevin is very adaptable if we communicate to him our learning styles.
Kevin’s professional vision is very specific. He knows what athletes need and how to get them there. He knows that passing and serving is not the only thing a player needs to learn. To be an overall healthy athlete, one needs healthy habits in terms of physical and emotional health. This includes good sleep and nutrition, training in strength and conditioning, and of course skills for volleyball such as passing or setting. As a teacher, coach, and a player, I could not agree with him more on all of the above.
Kevin encourages everyone to grow. He teaches us that being the tallest is not the key. What matters is being smart on and off the court and staying consistent with work you’re putting in. I could not recommend him enough.”
“Always well organized and adaptive.”
Jennifer D, player:
(Montreal, CA)
“Kevin is someone calm, very pleasant, and easy to have fun with. Kevin has an incredible knowledge of volleyball. He very quickly finds the educational commentary allowing the athlete to improve quickly. In addition to that, he is capable of being playful for recreational volleyball but really performs better in its own nature to develop competitive players. Very protective in nature, he is like the big brother of all his players.
His Trinidad training camps or practices at Chelsea Piers are always well organized and adaptive. He was my coach and remained a great friend, which is a testament to his great personality. I’m far from the sites where he coaches, but I assure you that if I were closer, I would go every week!”
“Has a clear focus every time he steps on the court.”
Jessica Mc E, player:
“I have been trained by Kevin in group training sessions for many years. I was first introduced to Kevin through his classes at Chelsea Piers and have since been a part of numerous training sessions in Central Park, Pier 6 and Brighton Beach. I was also a part of his 2018 Trinidad and Tobago Camp.
Kevin teaches all aspects of the sport, from basic fundamentals to more advanced techniques of the game. He does a fantastic job of meeting players at their current level and is always encouraging growth and player development.
Kevin uses a variety of drills during his sessions and has a clear focus every time he steps on the court. He brings structure to each and every session and does a great job of focusing on both building foundational skills, while also creating game-like scenarios so players learn how to use and apply the skills they’ve learned. He is particularly skilled at managing multiple players on the court simultaneously, always working very efficiently to involve all players in different drills with a variety of focuses.
And to highlight a particularly favorite memory, Kevin’s Trinidad and Tobago Camp is an incredibly special and memorable volleyball experience that I would highly recommend to all players!”
“Working with Kevin is often very tiring but extremely rewarding; he always pushes you to your best.”
Danielle T, youth player:
“I have worked with Kevin several times as a player at pier 6, QBK and Brighton Beach in both group and private sessions. Working with Kevin is often very tiring but extremely rewarding; he always pushes you to your best and makes you a better player. He provides an eloquent structure to every lesson and has always had a drill plan for practices no matter the skill that is being worked on. He does an amazing job of integrating technique with gameplay and strategy, and always makes the most of the time together. He finds a way to fit in hours worth of reps in a 30 to 90-minute time window.”
“He’s worked with me to maximize my strengths.”
Subhash M, player:
“Kevin’s knowledge of beach volleyball’s evolution, as its popularity has grown globally, makes him a top coach in the area. He’s always incorporating new ideology, and also reinforcing the fundamentals to get the best out of players. His greatest skill is the ability to work with different populations. As an older player, he’s worked with me to maximize my strengths to perform at a higher level than most my age.”
“[Kevin creates] an environment conducive to growth and success.”
Jason K, player:
“Training with Kevin for over 5 years has profoundly influenced my journey as a beach volleyball player, propelling me from the B level to the AA level. Our sessions have been held at various locations, including Chelsea Piers, the Trinidad Training Camps, QBK, and Pier 6.
Kevin's coaching style seamlessly blends genuine care, extensive knowledge, and targeted drills, creating an environment conducive to growth and success. At Chelsea Piers, our primary training venue, Kevin typically organizes monthly themes focusing on key aspects such as attacking, defense, blocking, serving, and more.
In the week-long Trinidad camp, drills were tailored to a different theme every day. Kevin's dedication to our progress is evident, extending beyond the court to his involvement in the local community in Trinidad, where he donates nets to aspiring teams and players. Additionally, he advocated for fair scheduling at Chelsea Piers, ensuring equal playtime for players of all levels. Kevin expects discipline and a willingness to learn from his students.
Beyond coaching, Kevin has become a trusted friend with whom I've competed in tournaments and socialized outside of volleyball. His coaching services cater to diverse groups, regardless of skill level, age, or gender, emphasizing inclusivity and growth. From my observation, Kevin's coaching approach prioritizes the macro aspects of strategy, fundamentals, and skills, likely influenced by the larger group settings in which we often train. While technical individual improvements still require individual practice, dedication, and research, Kevin's coaching lays a solid foundation for this personal development and discipline. Under Kevin's guidance, my game and confidence have soared.
I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone seeking exceptional coaching and mentorship in beach volleyball.”
“An incredible coach!”
Asli E, player:
(Professional libero)
”My first 'Kevin training' was at Central Park 4 years ago, which I consider to be an important milestone in my volleyball journey, as well in my new life in New York.
I have been an indoor player for over a decade, but working with Kevin since 2020, I have not only improved my beach volleyball skills, but also gained a love for the sport, built a whole community, and met an incredible coach!
Since then, I have followed Kevin to Chelsea Piers, QBK, Brighton Beach, Pier 6, and finally to Trinidad & Tobago to participate in his famously fun volleyball camp.
I consider his ability to tailor his coaching to different levels of players all in the same session (while keeping things organized, fun and sassy!) to be his strength; and I always look forward to his sessions!”
“A fantastic eye for noticing nuanced habits of advanced players.”
Kristen T, player:
”Kevin is a superb beach volleyball coach. I’ve trained with him at Chelsea Piers, Brighton Beach and QBK. Kevin has a wealth of experience both as a former pro and a longtime coach, and it shows in his ability to give individualized attention and guidance.
In addition to being great at teaching the fundamentals, he has a fantastic eye for noticing nuanced habits of advanced players and being able to unlock hidden potential. Kevin always shows up with lively, high energy and isn’t afraid to push you to be your best. He has inspired and challenged me to push myself to play at levels I didn’t think were possible for me.
It’s also clear that Kevin cares deeply about the players he coaches and the beach volleyball community overall.”
“He has given me the greatest advice, out of all my coaches.”
Sofia C, junior player:
“I have had the privilege of working with Coach Kevin for the past several years. He is an immensely inspiring coach that clearly cares about his respective students. He possesses a strong background in volleyball, both as a player and a coach. His clear knowledge of the game and his coaching style have made me a much stronger volleyball player and athlete.
His greatest strength is his care in curating specific programs suited to a student’s needs and skill sets. He ensures that every player receives proper guidance and attention. My practices with Coach Kevin have been both tiring and fun and he has given me the greatest advice out of all my coaches.”
“We were exhausted by the end, but experiencing another culture through friends, music, and extreme amounts of volleyball was a gift I’ll never forget.”
Andrea D, player:
“I was never an athlete. I was always an arts kid growing up. But I got hooked on beach volleyball recently because of family connections to the sport, and now the volleyball community in New York City feels like my extended family here. It’s hard to go from being a professional in one environment where you’ve studied your whole life, to being a total beginner in a new environment. But after I observed one of Kevin’s training sessions at Pier 6, I was inspired to work hard to get better, and play more volleyball. Since then, I’ve found myself getting up at 5:00am to bike to trainings every week in summer, conditioning in 90 degree heat, and traveling to other parts of the world to do drills, play games, and meet other players.
I directly attribute my growth to the time I’ve spent attending Kevin’s training sessions. Through them, I’ve come to know him not only as a good coach, but also as a passionate advocate for the volleyball community, as a fun and funny person, and as a friend. Kevin holds his clients to high standards in training, but no higher than the standards to which he holds himself. He works tirelessly for the volleyball community in New York City and in his home country, always giving back, always reinvesting, always trying to shine a light on those who need it. He doesn’t have ulterior motives. He does it because it is his passion, and because he has a vision to grow the sport in New York City and beyond. Chasing a dream like that is something I understand.
One of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had was to spend ten days in Trinidad and Tobago in 2024, participating in Kevin’s Volleyball Camp. He divided our time between highly-organized and rigorous training sessions on the beach, and carnival, culture, food, and music concerts. Work hard, play hard. Sleep harder. (Or don’t sleep.) We were exhausted by the end, but experiencing another culture through friends, music, and extreme amounts of volleyball was a gift I’ll never forget.
I don’t know when he rests either, because it seems like he’s always working, always coaching, and always driven toward his mission. But for the sake of his clients, the greater volleyball community, and the future of the sport, I hope he never quits.”
“Even after half a class I was hooked.”
Jonathan Y, player:
“After my friends and I got beaten very badly by very experienced beach volleyball players in August of 2022, I decided it was time to start taking classes and learn the game. After a quick google search, I came across Kevin’s beginner 1 volleyball class at Chelsea Piers. I had to leave class 1 early for a family dinner, but even after half a class I was hooked. Kevin creates an atmosphere that is both instructional and fun no matter your skill level. I’ve taken volleyball classes at both Chelsea Piers and QBK and can say he is one of the best coaches I’ve had in any sport. He’s demanding, but gives you love and support when you need it, and his only goal is to get each of his students to be the best they can be. Happy that I’m able to call him a friend.”
“A confident and humble educator.”
David T, National player:
(mentor and former teammate from National Indoor / Beach Volleyball Club, Trinidad and Tobago)
“I’ve had the honor of working with Kevin as the coach who introduced him to the sport in his hometown of Sangre Grande, Trinidad; as teammates on club and national indoor volleyball programs as well as being the first beach volleyball team from the English-speaking Caribbean to participate on the FIVB SWATCH World Tour, in Montreal in 2006.
I had the experience of learning and aiding him at his beach volleyball programs at Pier 6, Chelsea Piers, New York and Trinidad and Tobago Camp. He has grown to be a confident and humble educator with a high level of knowledge and discipline. Kevin is very motivated to create avenues for people to engage in this sporting discipline that he loves and has been an encouraging factor leading me to rekindle the passion I had for coaching beach volleyball.”
“Discipline, diligence, knowledge, resilience, and passion.”
Dr. Kamasha Robertson-Martens, academic and athlete:
(Doctor of Sport Sciences / Applied Sport and Exercise Psychologist, and former National Badminton Player, Trinidad and Tobago)
“I met Kevin around 20 years ago whilst he was an elite athlete for his country. Both his physical and mental tenacity were as impressive then as they remain today, despite his athletic retirement. Attributes such as his discipline, diligence, knowledge, resilience, and passion have successfully aided him in his seamless transition to a highly qualified professional. Kevin has worked arduously and selflessly to mold and build his professional career, so that he could offer other young and talented individuals the uppermost quality as a coach. I can effortlessly say that to be coached by Kevin, is to be assured 100% excellence and dedication.”
“Such a beautiful human being.”
Shin L, player + coach:
”I have worked with Kevin for a little longer than a year now at QBK as his assistant coaches. Never a day goes by that I don’t learn from him either on the court or off the court. Kevin will always give you positive feedback and guide throughout the way. Kevin is professional, a good man and very passionate about volleyball. He is the type of coach that will give you his all to help you reach your level where you want to be. He teaches you the right techniques like attacking, defending, how to position your body and where to go during defense, etc. This man knows it all!
Practices are tough, but the reward is great. I started playing beach volleyball a year ago and have fallen in love with the sport because I want to challenge Coach Kevin, even though I still get my butt kicked. He will push you to your limit and you will definitely improve. I am really glad I get to work with such a beautiful human being, and coach under him.”
“Thank you, Kevin!”
Julia P, player:
”As soon as I moved to New York City, my first priority was finding good volleyball. Sometimes it can be hard to break into a sports scene when moving to a new location, but within the first week of moving here, Kevin’s name got brought up to me multiple times. I had heard that he was a great coach and also knows everything about the NY volleyball scene. I knew I had to meet this guy. I got invited by some women to start training early mornings by him at Pier 6 and I jumped on the opportunity. He made me feel super welcome right off the bat. He has a funny sense of humor. I loved how he came to every practice with a plan and made our time and money worth it. If he sees something that needs to be corrected, he will verbalize that to you. He is able to break down the why behind the skill he is teaching you and how that will help your game improve which I really appreciate. He is very knowledgeable about the game and has a lot to give. I am continuing my training with him this summer and excited to learn more! Thank you Kevin!”
“A personalized approach to every player.”
Josephine L, college player:
“As an athlete playing collegiate beach volleyball at the Division 1 level, my summers spent at home in New York City are a time for focused, personalized training and conditioning. When I return to my college campus in the fall, I want to ensure that I am in the athletic shape and mindset to tackle my busy schedule and competition season. Kevin has been a godsend as my coach for this exact purpose: he meets me at my level but still challenges me in the way that my college program does, which is difficult to find in New York City, because despite the big beach volleyball culture, collegiate competitors are low in number.
Kevin’s vast experience in both volleyball and beach volleyball has helped him see the game holistically from all different levels, so that he can administer a personalized approach to every player, pushing them to be their best self on the court. He is very encouraging and supports the reapplication of success by pausing to recognize and acknowledge when a player has done something correctly, instructing them to remember how it feels in order to develop it as muscle memory. I have learned a lot from his instruction, and I am grateful that he is so involved verbally because it helps me understand the game and my body in relation to the ball better. His sessions are full of different types of drills and touches that are intelligently organized to complement each other and develop a progression in the focus of the practice that day - but he also knows when to push or let up on players of varying athletic capabilities.
Kevin’s knowledge about the volleyball scene in New York is also a huge help to players, because he knows when the courts will be open for training and he is willing to get to the courts early in order to accommodate. He has professional connections with many renowned players who might occasionally show their faces at group trainings too, like Tina Graudina, an Olympic player for Latvia who competed at the University of Southern California (the NCAA Division 1 beach volleyball champion for the past three years straight). Getting to practice with an Olympian because of Kevin’s connections is pretty cool!”
“We had so much fun learning!”
Veronica and Victoria C, professional players:
(Twin sisters)
“Kevin was our first beach volleyball coach! We came across beach volleyball late in high school, maybe the end of our junior year and loved it in college. We didn’t know where to begin, but thankfully our mom found Kevin at Chelsea Piers and that is where our journey started!
Kevin was very patient with us as we made the transition from indoor volleyball to sand. He broke down each individual skill, taught us the beach strategies, and we had so much fun learning! We had a beach volleyball coach, mentor AND a new friend in Kevin!
We loved every opportunity we had to learn from Kevin! His energy and knowledge is unmatched. We highly recommend Kevin to anyone who is looking to further their beach volleyball skills anywhere from beginner to professional level!”
“I’ve gone from not being able to serve the ball over the net, to competing in A/AA tournaments.”
James Z, player:
“I’ve been taking Kevin’s classes at Chelsea Piers and going to his tournaments at QBK/Brighton Beach over the past 8 years. I’ve gone from not being able to serve the ball over the net, to competing in A/AA tournaments. It truly was great learning from him and having so, so much fun along the way.
He genuinely loves the sport. He’s constantly watching and distilling professional tournaments into learning cues and strategies. He delivers constructive criticism with witty jokes that makes the class fun even as you’re repeatedly diving into the sand, chest first, to dig that elusive cut shot.
I’m very, very glad to have found his beginner class back in 2016. Highly recommended.”
“I gained the most confidence in my play.”
Jack C, college player:
(3x CUNYAC Champion and Finals MVP)
“My name is Jack Centeno, and I had the pleasure of being coached in my first year of collegiate volleyball by Kevin Edwards. Kevin found me in high school where he recruited me to Baruch College, and I have found a lot of success both on and off the court. I learned a lot under Kevin, not just on the technical aspects of volleyball, but also the mental part and it is with him that I believe I gained the most confidence in my play.
Kevin was always a great person outside of the gym, being able to crack jokes and talk about almost anything I wanted to, but when it came down to volleyball, he was always about business and getting better each time we touched the ball. The good rapport I had with Kevin translated in a positive way onto the court because he always pushed me in practice and in games to be the best player that I could be, even when I thought I couldn’t or didn’t need to get better.
Furthermore, Kevin’s practices were always based around what our team needed to improve. I remember we had a poor blocking performance against one team, so the next day we focused on blocking footwork and hand movement. This is one of the many examples I could give, but in short, Kevin always had structure to his practices and there was never time wasted because practices were planned out in full.
To conclude, Kevin was a great coach and mentor especially for someone entering their first year of collegiate volleyball because I personally needed that push from him to become a better player than I thought I was. He knows how to reach you both technically and mentally and that’s what I think made him a great coach for me.”
“As an indoor player, Kevin has provided the training and skill development I needed to transition to beach volleyball.”
Saye J, player:
”As an indoor player, Kevin has provided the training and skill development I needed to transition to beach volleyball in a competitive way that enables me to play at the same level that I did indoors. I have been training with Kevin for over 3 years and have seen an immense development of my skills, but also my volleyball IQ. It has been great to have this structured training in NYC for beach volleyball because it increases the opportunities to play competitively.”
“From the moment I began training with him…he was dedicated to taking my game to the next level.”
Katie M, college player:
”I cannot speak highly enough of Kevin as a volleyball coach. He is simply outstanding. From the moment I began training with him, it was clear that he was dedicated to taking my game to the next level. What sets Kevin apart is his unwavering commitment to his players' development.
As a college player, I've had the privilege of working with Kevin during breaks and summers at both QBK and Chelsea Piers. His approach to coaching is unparalleled. Kevin goes above and beyond, tailoring each practice to the specific needs of the players. His structured sessions are meticulously planned, ensuring that every minute spent on the court is maximized for improvement.
Under Kevin's guidance, my game has seen remarkable growth. His expertise and attention to detail have honed my skills in ways I never thought possible. What truly sets Kevin apart is his personalized approach. He doesn't just coach; he mentors. Kevin takes the time to evaluate each player individually, providing constructive feedback and tangible areas for improvement after every session.
Kevin's dedication to his craft and his players is evident in everything he does. He not only encourages but also inspires each individual to strive for excellence. His passion for volleyball is contagious, and his impact on my development as a player has been immense.
Without hesitation, I highly recommend Kevin as a volleyball coach. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the fundamentals or a seasoned player aiming to refine your skills, Kevin is the coach you want by your side. His expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for his players make him an invaluable asset to any team or individual seeking to excel in the sport.”
“A driving figure in the beach volleyball community.”
Nick E, player:
“I’m an aspiring beach volleyball athlete and a regular at Coach Kevin’s QBK classes. In the two years I’ve trained with Kevin I’ve seen both my skills on the sand and my love for the sport grow without stopping, and I’ll keep coming back!
With Coach Kevin, every session is unique. There is an overarching focus for the month to improve our techniques in one of attacking, blocking, defense, or setting. I respect Kevin’s dual modes of teaching: his positive attitude encourages a higher standard of play, but he is not afraid to speak out against and correct bad habits.
Coach Kev’s role continues off the court as a driving figure in the beach volleyball community; he organizes events that connect players both on and off the sand. The people of New York City like myself are lucky to have Coach Kevin!”
“A coach, a partner, a referee, and a promoter.”
Jeff S, player:
“I have known Kevin through volleyball for probably 13 years now. I have experienced him in every phase of the sport, as a coach, a partner, a referee, and a promoter. I can’t recommend him highly enough for anyone trying to improve their game from complete beginner to professional.
He is constantly learning, studying, and traveling to stay current on trends in the sport and translates that education into his training sessions.
Sometimes you will see people group training for volleyball and there’s more standing around than actual touches. Not with Kevin. He understands that cardio and high repetitions are integral to the sport and his practices are well planned to meet that goal.”
“He has a vision of making volleyball accessible to everyone in New York.”
Hanbin L, player + coach:
“I worked with Coach Kevin both as a player and a coach at Baruch College and QBK Sports. I have also taken his private lessons at Brighton Beach as a player. He is a calm and collected coach. I have never heard him curse, on or off the court. He is always looking for ways to help his players improve, so he sets certain expectations for all of them.
Kevin is not the type of coach to coddle you. I know some players would have liked more emotional support from him, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t care about his players. He is careful with his words, always speaking clearly and succinctly, saying what needs to be said in the simplest way possible, no more, no less. Initially, some players have a hard time understanding him. However, once you get the hang of how he communicates, you realize that his words are invaluable.
His practice plans are well-structured, showing a deep understanding of the importance of fundamental skills. His lessons are also well-crafted, focusing on learning, understanding, and utilizing the fundamentals of volleyball. Working with him as a coach, I particularly appreciated his lesson plans because they included simple yet effective drills that kept the players engaged.
I know he has a vision of making volleyball accessible to everyone in New York. He wants to give back to the community and help it grow together. This resonates with me because when I started playing volleyball, I was not very good. Unlike my peers, I wasn’t exposed to the sport at a young age, so there was an obvious skill gap. I wasn’t confident, and it led to self-doubt. That’s why I’m grateful to Kevin. After many years of learning from Coach Kevin, I can confidently say I am good at volleyball.”
“He has made such a positive impact.”
Sophie M, coach + player
“Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to work with Kevin as a coach at QBK. Kevin is a leader that challenges you to show up and put in the work on and off the court. Since working with Kevin, I have become a better coach/player and feel more confident in my coaching abilities. He has shown me how to structure volleyball classes in a way that allows players of all levels to progress their skills and be successful. He has made such a positive impact on his players and the coaching staff at QBK. I am excited to see what the future holds for his coaching business and its impact on the beach volleyball community!”
“If you want to learn to play beach volleyball, Kevin is the go-to person!”
Yuan J, parent + player:
“I was fortunate to have the experience of working with Kevin both as a parent and as a player. We first knew Kevin because my daughters (12 and 16) played beach volleyball and Kevin came highly recommended by their indoor volleyball coach, who was personally training with him as well.
My daughters started taking lessons and classes with Kevin at QBK, and I took his adult classes at Chelsea Piers. From my observation, Kevin is way more than a high-level professional player who can effortlessly teach all the technique and skills. What makes him truly unique is his great passion for the sport, his high energy level and how he cares for each student. He is very observant and pays close attention to every student, and he adjusts his plans/drills according to students' different levels and needs. His rich coaching experience and fun personality combine perfectly and build a great balance between high standard/expectations and the fun dynamic. His class is always fast-paced, well-planned and he can always find a way to challenge everyone. I talked to his former college players and apparently, they all adore him! Overall, if you want to learn to play beach volleyball, Kevin is the go-to person!”
“My daughter has trained with Kevin for 5 years.”
Rick C, junior player’s parent:
“Kevin came highly recommended from other coaches and players. My daughter has trained with Kevin for 5 years. She started with him when she was 13 years old in middle school. Through the years training with Kevin, she has developed to become a very good volleyball player. She was the captain of her high school team, 1st Team Ivy League player and also winning the NY Ivy League Championship. She was recruited and will be playing in college next year (2025). We owe a lot of her skills to Kevin.”
“His confidence and knowledge is unlike any other.”
Ariane F, player:
“I’ve worked with Kevin as a coach at QBK. His confidence and knowledge about volleyball is unlike any other coaches I’ve had. I came to QBK not knowing how to play beach volleyball at all, but Kevin’s teaching abilities has really helped me develop those skills effectively. Yes, he could be hard on you on the court at times but oddly enough it’s exactly what kept me wanting to come back.
His high level of understanding of the game, constructive criticism and keen attention to detail, no matter how many players there are, is VERY SUPERB. As a coach, he definitely has great vision because he knows exactly where you are as a player, and what skills you specifically need to improve on. All the sessions I’ve had with Kevin are super organized and they have very clear objectives, even with the drills he uses.
He is very efficient and knows how to improvise the drill/session where each player still benefits greatly. He meets you at your level and knows how to adjust his coaching that would better suit your needs. I kept coming to QBK because I wanted to get better each and every time and being on the court with Kevin really pushes you to grow and be better!”
“Each session is very planned out and each drill has a purpose.”
Eden S, junior player:
“I am a junior player who has worked with Kevin at QBK. Kevin is engaging and approaches new techniques in different ways until the player understands. For the player, Kevin’s professional vision is based on what the player wants. He helps them train to get where they want and teaches the skills they need when ready. Each session is very planned out and each drill has a purpose, which Kevin will explain. Kevin encourages growth by teaching new techniques, different approaches to fixing bad habits, and clear instructions for each drill.”
